PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD related to a verified in-service stressor and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and lung disorder, due to exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran's PTSD claim was also denied.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD does not result in total occupational and social impairment, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there was no verified stressor supporting a diagnosis of PTSD, and the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy. The evidence showed that she had a head injury during National Guard service but not at a swimming pool or involving broken teeth, swollen lips, or facial lacerations.

The veteran's tinnitus is found to be service-connected, and he is granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent for his PTSD.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of verified in-service stressors and because he did not engage in combat with the enemy.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD has been withdrawn. The Board will dismiss the appeal as the veteran requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was denied as there is no evidence demonstrating a prior application within one year after separation from active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information regarding a claimed in-service stressor for PTSD. The veteran is required to provide more details about his alleged exposure and treatment, and VA will attempt to obtain relevant records.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher rate of special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to care for his daily personal needs or protect himself from hazards without regular assistance.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD, effective September 8, 2004. The veteran's symptoms include sleep disturbance, nightmares, flashbacks, anger management problems, irritability, increased startle response, and difficulty functioning in interpersonal relationships.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a left knee disability. The veteran does not have a low back disability or PTSD related to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, degenerative joint disease, and allergic rhinitis due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 22, 2005. The condition continues to cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with an enemy and thus her reported stressors could not be verified. The VA social worker's diagnosis of PTSD was challenged by two VA psychiatrists, who concluded that she did not meet the criteria for PTSD based on the provided information.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD has been manifested by anxiety, flattened affect, restricted or constricted mood, intrusive memories, nightmares, sleep disturbance, social isolation, exaggerated startle response, hypervigilance, suicidal and homicidal ideation without plan or intent, irritability, mild memory impairment, and impaired concentration. The VA found that these symptoms do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 50 percent.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD was granted a 50 percent evaluation effective July 18, 2007. Prior to this date, the disability had been rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diagnoses of PTSD, depression, and dysthymia are related to his service in Vietnam. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD, but denied both the reopening and the merits of his claim for service connection of a headache disorder.